February 20, 2012

Dear Sixth Grade Families,

Just a quick note to let you know that I assigned a new project focused on India. It is a PREZI (ask your child) or power point presentation with a scripted narrative. The topics vary but include:art and architecture, medicine and healing, religion, and the caste system, to name a few. Students will work in small groups or with partners and the final product is to be presented on or before March 7.

In the near future I would like to show the movie, Little Buddha. This is the story of Siddhartha and a parallel story of an elderly monk's search for his teacher's reincarnation. It gives a good explanation of much of Buddhist philosophy. It is rated PG. I don't show movies with this rating without parental permission. After watching the movie I have concluded it received this rating due to a scene with a naked infant (the baby Siddhartha) and later there is a 2 second shot of an ascetic wandering in the wilderness in his “altogether.” Please advise if you would prefer your son or daughter not watch this film and I will not show it.

Also, parent-teacher conferences will be on Thursday and Friday, March 1 and 2. Please let me know ASAP if you have a preferred day or time. I will work with the other teachers and Kellie to coordinate a convenient time for you.

Have a great week.

Sally